24281, Rose Hill, Virginia Asthma Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Asthma Score in 24281, Rose Hill, Virginia is 29 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Asthma Score: Navigating Asthma Care Near ZIP Code 24281

Finding the right healthcare for asthma can be a complex undertaking, especially when navigating a rural landscape. This review focuses on the hospitals near ZIP code 24281 (Tazewell, Virginia), providing a fact-rich assessment to aid in informed decision-making for asthma sufferers and their families. We'll examine hospital quality metrics, specialty services, and accessibility, including telehealth options, to paint a comprehensive picture of the available care landscape.

**Understanding the Landscape: Proximity and Options**

Tazewell, Virginia, sits in a region where hospital choices are more limited than in urban areas. This necessitates a careful evaluation of the available options, considering both proximity and the quality of care offered. While larger, more specialized hospitals may be further afield, their resources could be critical in managing severe asthma cases.

**The Flagship: Johnston Memorial Hospital**

Johnston Memorial Hospital, located in Abingdon, Virginia, is a key player in this region. It is approximately 30-40 miles from Tazewell, making it a feasible option for many residents. Johnston Memorial is part of Ballad Health, a large regional healthcare system. As of the latest available data, Johnston Memorial Hospital has a **3-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)**. This rating reflects a composite score based on various quality measures, including patient outcomes, safety of care, and patient experience. While not the highest rating, it signifies a baseline level of care.

Johnston Memorial Hospital's emergency room (ER) wait times are a crucial consideration for asthma patients, who may require immediate attention during an exacerbation. **ER wait times can fluctuate, but recent data suggests an average wait time of around 20-30 minutes.** This is a crucial factor to consider, as rapid access to treatment can significantly impact asthma outcomes.

**Specialty Services at Johnston Memorial**

Johnston Memorial offers a range of specialty services that are relevant to asthma management. These include pulmonology, which is the branch of medicine focused on lung diseases. Access to a pulmonologist is essential for diagnosis, treatment planning, and ongoing management of asthma. The hospital also provides respiratory therapy services, which are critical for delivering breathing treatments and monitoring patients with respiratory distress.

**Ballad Health's Telehealth Initiatives**

Ballad Health, the parent organization of Johnston Memorial, has invested in telehealth initiatives. Telehealth can be particularly beneficial for asthma patients, offering remote consultations, medication management, and education. **Specific data on the availability and utilization of telehealth services for asthma patients at Johnston Memorial is not readily available, but it's worth inquiring about these options during appointments or consultations.** Telehealth can reduce the need for in-person visits, especially for routine check-ups or medication adjustments, improving access to care for those in rural areas.

**Alternative: Clinch Valley Health**

Clinch Valley Health, located in Richlands, Virginia, is another hospital option within a reasonable driving distance of Tazewell. It is closer than Johnston Memorial, making it a potentially more convenient choice. However, Clinch Valley Health's CMS star rating is **currently unavailable**. This lack of a rating doesn't necessarily indicate poor quality, but it does mean there's less publicly available data to assess performance.

**ER Wait Times and Services at Clinch Valley**

Clinch Valley Health's ER wait times are an important factor. **Data on average ER wait times at Clinch Valley Health fluctuates, but generally, the wait times are similar to those at Johnston Memorial.** Similar to Johnston Memorial, Clinch Valley offers respiratory therapy and access to primary care physicians who can manage asthma.

**Specialized Asthma Care: Exploring Options Beyond Local Hospitals**

For complex or severe asthma cases, residents may need to consider hospitals with specialized asthma centers. These centers often have dedicated pulmonologists, allergists, and respiratory therapists with extensive experience in managing difficult-to-control asthma.

**The University of Virginia Health System (UVA Health)**

The University of Virginia Health System (UVA Health) in Charlottesville, Virginia, is a major medical center located approximately 200 miles from Tazewell. UVA Health is a renowned academic medical center with a strong reputation for pulmonary and critical care medicine. While the distance is considerable, UVA Health could be an option for patients with severe asthma or those requiring specialized treatments not readily available locally. **UVA Health has a 4-star CMS rating.**

**Telehealth at UVA Health**

UVA Health has a robust telehealth program. **They offer virtual visits with pulmonologists and other specialists, making it possible to access their expertise without traveling long distances.** This is a significant advantage for residents of rural areas like Tazewell.

**The Importance of Asthma Management and Education**

Effective asthma management goes beyond simply accessing a hospital. It involves a comprehensive approach that includes:

* **Regular check-ups with a pulmonologist or primary care physician.**
* **Adherence to prescribed medications.**
* **Avoidance of asthma triggers.**
* **Asthma education for patients and their families.**

**Finding a Primary Care Physician**

Finding a primary care physician (PCP) who is knowledgeable about asthma is crucial. The PCP can provide ongoing care, manage medications, and coordinate referrals to specialists if needed. **The Ballad Health system, as well as other local clinics, can be resources for identifying PCPs in the area.**

**ER Wait Times: A Crucial Metric**

ER wait times are a critical factor for asthma patients. During an asthma exacerbation, every minute counts. **The average ER wait times at both Johnston Memorial and Clinch Valley Health are generally within an acceptable range, but it's important to consider that these times can vary depending on the time of day, day of the week, and the overall patient volume.**

**Data Limitations and Considerations**

It's important to acknowledge the limitations of publicly available data. CMS star ratings, ER wait times, and other metrics are snapshots in time and may not fully reflect the current quality of care. Furthermore, patient experiences can vary widely.

**Conclusion: Navigating the Asthma Care Landscape Near Tazewell**

For residents of ZIP code 24281, the healthcare landscape presents a mix of options. Johnston Memorial Hospital, with its 3-star CMS rating and established services, is a primary resource. Clinch Valley Health offers another local alternative. For complex cases, UVA Health provides specialized expertise, albeit at a greater distance.

**Key takeaways:**

* **Johnston Memorial Hospital is a primary care provider with a 3-star rating and reasonable ER wait times.**
* **Clinch Valley Health offers a closer alternative, but its CMS rating is unavailable.**
* **UVA Health provides specialized care for complex cases, with extensive telehealth options.**
* **Telehealth can be a valuable tool for asthma management in rural areas.**
* **Regular check-ups, medication adherence, and asthma education are essential for effective asthma management.**

**Recommendations:**

* **Contact the hospitals directly to inquire about current ER wait times and the availability of specific asthma services.**
* **Discuss your asthma management plan with your primary care physician.**
* **Explore telehealth options for convenient access to specialists.**
* **Prioritize asthma education to empower yourself and your family.**
* **Be prepared to travel to a larger medical center if your asthma requires specialized care.**

This review offers a starting point for navigating the healthcare options near ZIP code 24281. It is crucial to conduct further research, consult with healthcare providers, and make informed decisions based on individual needs and circumstances.